The 5 Best Waterproofing Sprays to Protect Your Boots from Rain and Snow (2024)

Our Top Picks

Though we focused the bulk of our testing on footwear, it’s worth noting that the Saphir Medaille d’Or Super Invulner Waterproof Spray also works on leather and suede apparel, making it a worthy investment for a variety of applications. It employs a longer-than-average dry time (30 minutes) to avoid the discoloration or the appearance of white marks that can be formed with faster-drying sprays. We found that the application lasted for more than four months, and we used the spray on all types of materials, including leather, suede, nubuck, and mixed textiles. In addition to providing waterproof protection, the spray also prevented picking up stains. The France-made spray also contains no silicone.

The Details: 6.56 ounces | Best for leather, suede, nubuck, mixed textiles

The Crep Protect Shoe Protector Spray is refreshingly simple to apply: simply shake the can, spray, and let dry for 10 minutes, then repeat for the best waterproof protection. The brand says the protection lasts for two weeks, though we found that it lasted up to three months. Made with eco-friendly ingredients like coconut extracts and aqua, the spray also provided solid stain protection, and, even after multiple uses, we didn’t notice any impact on the color or durability of the shoe’s uppers. We even found that the spray effectively created a protective hydrophobic layer against grime — whenever the boots picked up any dirt, we were able to wipe it away with a damp paper towel.

The Details: 5 ounces | Best for leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas

We loved how easily the Kiwi Suede and Nubuck Waterproofer Aerosol Spray went on and noticed no staining or discoloration on our suede shoes, though you have to be certain that you’re applying an even coat to maximize the waterproofness. Though we didn’t spray other items like apparel or suede bags in our testing, you can use this spray to waterproof a variety of different suede items in addition to shoes. As with most waterproof sprays, you also get the added bonus of stain protection, a great feature when navigating winter sidewalks strewn with salt.

The Details: 4.25 ounces | Best for suede, leather, and nubuck

If you want a spray that can create a waterproof barrier on all sorts of products, including upholstery, curtains, pillows, table linens, luggage, apparel, and footwear, go with Scotchgard’s Fabric Water Shield Water Repellent Spray. The spray doesn’t impact a product’s breathability, and it’s safe to use on dry-clean-only fabrics like silk or wool. And the can is large — the largest in our roundup — with enough spray to handle an average-size couch, two chairs, or five jackets. We didn’t notice any changes to the feel or color of the fabric we tested, and the water never penetrated the footwear.

The Details: 13.5 ounces | Best for all types of fabric

Rather than using a spray, Nikwax’s Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing features an easy-to-apply, sponge-on application that works with all types of fabric, which is great for someone who wants to weatherproof a pair of canvas sneakers and their leather boots. It also works with footwear that already has waterproof/breathable membranes like Gore-tex, eVent, and Bdry without impacting performance, so it’ll resonate with people who prefer technical footwear as well as the casual traveler. Leather doesn’t soften when it’s applied, and we didn’t witness any staining or impacts to the color of our uppers. With average use, we found that the protection lasted up to four months.

The Details: 4.2 ounces | Best for all fabric

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do waterproof sprays really work?

  Waterproof sprays can be an effective way to protect shoes from moisture, but their performance will depend on a few different factors. Some materials, like suede, leather, and other synthetic fabrics, work better with waterproof sprays than others. Some sprays are designed to work with some fabrics and not others, so be sure to check your product before buying. It's also important to follow the instructions for proper application — even the best waterproof spray won't do much if it's applied wrong. When used correctly on the right materials, these sprays can create a solid barrier against moisture.

• How do you use waterproof spray?

  First be sure your footwear is clean and dry before applying. Then you shake the can, hold the can about six to eight inches from your shoes or boots, and spray to coat evenly. After that, let the shoes dry completely, per the instructions (anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes). And, if the instructions indicate, apply a second coat and let the shoes dry completely. It’s smart to do this in a well-ventilated area (or outside), and you should plan on re-applying the spray after a few months of rigorous use.

• How long does waterproof spray remain effective?

  The duration of protectiveness depends on the product, but you should at least get two weeks of solid protection if the footwear is in heavy use, though our testing indicated that most products stop being effective after about four months.

• How can you remove waterproof spray for shoes?

  If, for whatever reason, you want to remove the spray after you’ve applied it, you can either wait until its effectiveness runs out (upwards of four months), or you can try applying ether or rubbing alcohol (apply it with a rag, let it sit for two to three minutes, and then wipe off with a towel). But there’s a good chance that those chemicals could also have an impact on the color or durability of the shoe’s uppers. You can also wipe the shoes with a microfiber cloth, which mimics the wear-and-tear the protective layer endures over time as it starts to break down.

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